Looking for tips for photographing holiday accommodation

altyfc

Hi everyone

We have a holiday apartment between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales that we opened this year. At the time of opening, we were in a bit of a hurry so I just took a selection of semi-adequate shots on a Canon IXUS.

You can see them at http://www.kendalcottages.com/photogallery.htm

I’m not really that happy with them as I don’t think they paint the accommodation in the best light, but they have kind of done the job for the time-being. Now I would like to look at upgrading the images.

Recently, I bought a new DSLR – the Canon EOS 50D with the 17-85 lens. I am still learning with it, but am pleased with the results so far.

I am going to have a go at doing some better shots later this week and am just looking for tips. For instance:

Would I be best shooting in RAW? I normally just use the highest JPG setting…
Do I need to use a tripod? I have an old one somewhere…
Do I need to be using a different lens? A wider angle, perhaps? If so, any recommendations?
Should I be using reflectors or additional light sources? Don’t have any so any recommendations welcome if it’s something I need…
Should I be using HDR? Never done it before but willing to learn…

My main concern is the main shot – the one with the balcony, the river, the bridge and, in the distance, the castle on the top of the hill. I want to show them all to their best in one shot, if I can, and am wondering if HDR is the best way to achieve that.

I’m also considering ‘setting up’ rooms. Ideas so far are:

Balcony table with bottle of Champagne in ice bucket and couple of glasses.
Fresh flowers.
Nice bowl of colourful fruit on one of the tables.
Kitchen surface with a nice loaf of homemade bread on a chopping board, with knife and a couple of slices.
Cafetiere with coffee, and cups, jug of milk, sugar, etc.

- all things that will hopefully make the place look a bit more lived in, and give people a more welcoming/cosy impression.

Any more ideas like this or any tips at all would be most welcome, and I’ll gladly report back with some new shots in due course…

Thanks!

BradfordBenn

I am by no means an expert but I will share what I know, hopefully others have some comments as well.

Would I be best shooting in RAW?

Yes, it gives you the most data resulting in more options with less artifacts in processing. On my camera it is the difference between seeing the hair sticking up on my dog's head and seeing a blur.

Do I need to use a tripod?

I recommend the tripod as it will help you get steadier shots. It will also allow longer duration shots with less chance of blurring from shakes. These longer shots can often provide better representation than the shorter ones.

In terms of the rest of them, I leave for others with more experience.

Also you might want to consider doing tethered shooting or a review of the images before "striking" to allow for better viewing than just on the rear display. For me it has helped a lot with critical images.